Year 12s: what will be the first way you research your future options? >>

Do I need a Ph.D. for a non-academic career in Biochemistry?

Hi, I'm a recent University graduate from Ireland.

Unfortunately the only subject offered in my (very rural) high school was Ag. Science so the only science-based course I could apply for was Environmental Science.

I liked Environmental Science however I have decided that I want a career in Biochemistry.

I enjoyed studying biochemistry and was planning to apply for a masters next September but recently I have heard that a Master's is near useless and that a Ph.D. is essential for a good career in this field.

The problem is that I don't really want to go into academia as I've heard it's super competitive and relatively low paying. Ideally I'd like a relatively high paying research job in Industry. Is this a realistic goal? Would a Masters or Ph.D be more useful in helping me achieve this? Or should I stick to Environmental Science?

Any help would be very much appreciated.

Reply 1

ianuam

Well, don't feel restricted to academia just because you have a PhD. It's much more common in the sciences to leave for industry after your PhD, I think. You shouldn't have problems finding funding, either.